TOWN U18s 1 BARNSLEY 3

22 February 2014

David Threlfall-Sykes

Youngsters lose top of the table clash

Barnsley’s Under-18 side pulled to within two points of Town’s youngsters at the top of the Professional Development League 2 North thanks to a 3-1 win in the top of the table clash at PPG Canalside this morning.

With the wind at their backs, the Tykes put the game to bed with three goals within the opening 40 minutes and although the Terriers piled on the pressure in the second 45 minutes, they only had a consolation goal from striker Flo Bojaj to show for their efforts.

Town’s spirits will have been high ahead of kick-off thanks to last week’s FA Youth Cup victory over Manchester United, but second-placed Barnsley arrived on the back of seven straight victories and took the lead with the first shot of the game inside three minutes, with Nana Yiadom the scorer.

Town had lots of possession after conceding the opener, but were dealt another blow in the 24th minute when Dean Freeman headed in a free-kick.

Things got worse five minutes before the interval when ‘keeper Sam Guthrie fumbled a corner, allowing Freeman to fire home for his second of the game

Town had the wind on their backs in the second-half and pressed hard for an early goal to get back in the game. Bojaj was denied by an outstanding save within the opening five minutes of the half before substitute Regan Booty sends Jake Charles clear, only for the scholar to strike the post with only the ‘keeper to beat.

The Terriers grabbed a lifeline on 69 minutes; the Barnsley ‘keeper saved Joe Wilkinson’s initial effort, but striker Bojaj followed up for his 12th goal of the season in just his 16th start

The pressure continued, with a chance from corner cleared off the line in the 82nd minute and William Boyle headed against the crossbar in added time, but the pressure was to no avail as Barnsley condemned Town’s Under-18s to just their fourth defeat of the season.